Ceanothus

Although wart-stemmed ceanothus is killed by fire, germination of seeds is facilitated by the intense heat. The seed coats are thick and prevent the uptake of water necessary for germination. Fire breaks down that barrier coat and there is typically heavy population recruitment following a wildfire. Like many plants of the chaparral, wart- stemmed ceanothus is adapted to both drought and wild fires. Leaves are small, thick and leathery to retard water loss. Seed pods look like tiny picnic plates. The common name of "Soap Bush" is earned because the flowers of some varieties will develop a lather when rubbed with water.